Agricultural commodity value chains

The agricultural commodity sector is faced by various challenges as existing stakeholders and players are often characterized by weak partnerships and poor organization.

Mostplayers operate at functional lines such as inputs, production, processing and marketing and provision of services like information, credit and extension. As a result, their efforts remain in a niche and are too marginal to have an appreciable sector-wide impact. Realizing the growth potential in agriculture will require concerted actions throughout the value chain, based on reliable information and strengthened collaboration between the public and private sectors. Moreover, the potential for growth in farm-level income and productivity in Kenya will be intimately tied to productivity growth at the various stages in the value chain. Many of Kenya’s sub-sectors face several challenges that need to be addressed given their strategic role in food security and income generation for many smallholder farmers and other players. The Institute will continue to address important policy and investment issues in key value chains as well as conduct value chain analysis in commodities that play an important role in alleviating poverty and ensuring food security and also promote the development of pro-poor value chains. Tegemeo Institute has implemented extensive research on value chain for grains, horticultural crops and dairy, some of which include: